Early Childhood Educator

The Victorian Government is establishing 50 government-owned and operated early learning centres by 2032 as part of the Best Start, Best Life reforms. The centres will offer childcare, Three and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten and Pre-Prep. The centres will provide high-quality, accessible and inclusive early childhood education and care that is child centred, focused on learning through play and in nature, with strong connections to local communities.

Early Learning Victoria's central office is part of the Victorian Department of Education. The central team is leading the roll-out of the 50 centres and will support and oversee centre operations once they open.

Staff in the Early Learning Victoria centres will be part of a new Victorian government-employed early childhood workforce. We are committed to creating a supportive and enriching work environment for our employees, offering a range of benefits and opportunities for professional growth and development.

Early Learning Victoria is committed to Child Safety and the safeguarding of children from harm.

• Be part of a new Victorian government early childhood workforce with strong career pathways and professional development.
• Enjoy a flexible roster, designed to offer flexibility for staff while ensuring continuity of care for children and families.
• Access a range of professional development and training opportunities to support career growth. Each year, staff are eligible for two paid professional development days.

Early Childhood Educator - Early Learning Victoria Shepparton (Interim Name)

Salary band - $53,865 - $65,916

Early Learning Victoria is establishing a government-owned early learning and childcare centre at Wilmot Road Primary School. Opening in 2026, this 130-place centre will provide long day care and Three and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten, eventually transitioning to include Pre-Prep.

The Early Childhood Educator (Certificate III) will support the team to deliver high-quality early childhood education, guided by evidence-informed contemporary pedagogy and practice which is aligned with the National Quality Standards, Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework and National Education and Care Law and Regulations. They will be responsible for contributing and assisting in the planning and implementing the educational program, monitoring children's progress, and supporting their social, emotional, and cognitive development.

Role Requirements:

• High Quality Practice: Contribute and assist in providing an environment where children can flourish and thrive, supported by evidence-informed, pedagogy and practice that upholds all elements of the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework, the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations and the National Quality Standards and is guided by the philosophy of Early Learning Victoria. Performs tasks consistent with qualifications under limited direction. Demonstrates reflective practice where feedback is used constructively to improve teaching and learning experiences.
• Compliance and Child Safety: Has a sound understanding of the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations, National Quality Standards, Child Protection and Child Safe Standards, Approved Frameworks and all Early Learning Victoria policies and procedures. Actively seeks guidance and direction when unclear.
• Educational Delivery: Contributes to the planning, delivery and implementation of integrated teaching and learning strategies, guided by the individual learning and development needs of each child. Participates in reflective practice with all members of the team to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching practices and their impact on children's learning and development. Complete documentation in relation to children's learning in line with organisational philosophy. Support all members of the team in communication with families regarding their child's development.

• Experience as an early childhood educator (Certificate III), delivering a high-quality play-based educational program. Recently qualified candidates are welcome to apply.
• Sound understanding of the Victorian Early Years Learning Development Framework, Education Care Services National Law and Regulations, the National Quality Framework and Child Safe Standards.
• Effective communication and relationship-building skills with staff, children, families and communities.
• Experience working with vulnerable children and families is desirable.

Specific skills/qualifications required

• ACECQA approved Certificate III level qualification or actively working towards a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
• Valid `Employee' Working with Children Check
• Willingness to consent to a Police Check (to be arranged by Early Learning Victoria)
• International Police Check required if resided outside of Australia for 12 months or more during the last 10 years
• First Aid, CPR, anaphylaxis and asthma qualifications
• Protecting Children - Mandatory Reporting online learning
• Food Handling Certificate and Safe Sleep Training is desirable

Click the Apply button to proceed through the Department of Education's online recruitment platform, where full Key Selection Criteria and Capabilities will be listed.

Please note, applications will only be reviewed after the job ad close date. We will not be contacting applicants before this time.

For more information about the role and Early Learning Victoria please email any queries to 

The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page

Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.

Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.

Applications close 11:59pm on Sunday, 28th of September 2025.